Eat More, Spend Less: Three Budget-Friendly Restaurants Around Bellarmine's Campus

By Ella Gordon

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With restaurant and grocery prices surging, finding affordable food options for college students can be a challenge. For Bellarmine students looking to eat a budget-friendly meal, there are several great restaurants near campus. 

Shiraz Mediterranean Grill

1565 Bardstown Road

Shiraz Mediterranean Grill offers well-balanced, low-cost meals, including a variety of oak-grilled kabobs, salads and wraps, ranging from $10 to $20 per person.

Bellarmine students are looking for affordable, health-conscious dining options near campus. “There aren’t any places other than the usual fast-food drive-thrus that are everywhere,” Bellarmine education major Izzy Iweimrin said, “I would like to go to places with healthier options.”

Shiraz also has a rewards program available to customers. By signing up, you can gain access to perks such as discounts and invitations to special events. Earning points with every purchase and receiving discounts is a great way to save money while dining out. 

Twig and Leaf

2122 Bardstown Road

Twig and Leaf is a Highlands neighborhood institution serving customers since 1962. Located within walking distance to campus, Twig and Leaf offers classic diner staples such as burgers and pancakes. During their dinner service, they also provide a variety of Guatemalan dishes making the menu highly diverse.

Long hours and proximity to campus are important to students without transportation. “Some of my friends don’t have access to a car, so it’s always nice to have restaurants within walking distance,” Bellarmine junior Isabela Gandara said. 

Twig and Leaf offers generous portions at relatively low prices. Its Belgian waffle platter includes a large Belgian waffle, a choice of bacon or sausage, and two eggs for only $11.95. 

Farther down Bardstown Road, First Watch has the Tri-Fecta platter, which includes two eggs, a Belgian waffle, and your choice of bacon or sausage priced at $14.79. This makes Twig and Leaf the closer and more affordable option.

Shenanigans

1611 Norris Place

Shenanigans is a local bar and casual sit-down restaurant in the heart of the Highlands. The pub offers both indoor and outdoor seating and is only a short walk from campus.

The menu includes a variety of appetizers, wings, burgers, and sandwiches. Prices average between $10 to $20. Despite not having student discounts, employees say the restaurant frequently offers specials on items.

“I do believe that Shenanigans has affordable options for Bellarmine students because they do tend to target a younger audience with their menu items specifically,” Shenanigans employee Danica Gorlewski said.

Gorlewski said that finding low-cost restaurants for college students is becoming more difficult due to “prices of food supplies increasing.”